U.S. ELECTIONS | Guide to the 2008 Election
05 September 2008
John McCain Tells Republican Convention “Change Is Coming”
Republican describes himself as bipartisan leader who serves his country
St. Paul, Minnesota — After serving in the Vietnam War and then in the U.S. Congress for 26 years, Arizona Senator John McCain, who formally accepted the Republican nomination for president September 4, describes himself as a proven leader who can bring change.
“I have a privilege given few Americans, the privilege of accepting our party’s nomination for president of the United States,” McCain said over an energetic crowd shouting “U-S-A.” “I accept it with gratitude, humility and confidence.”
As red-white-and-blue-clad delegates waved signs reading “The Maverick,” “Country first” and “McCain for peace,” the Republican nominee characterized himself as a person who does what is right even if it is difficult. This description of McCain was delivered by campaign surrogates on and off the convention floor throughout the week.
McCain ran for president in 2000, but lost the Republican primary to George W. Bush. He launched his candidacy again in early 2007 but sunk in the polls as he vocally supported the president’s Iraq surge plan. But, as the surge showed signs of success, McCain won the New Hampshire primary in January, giving him momentum to win other nominating contests on the way to securing the Republican nomination.
“I fought for the right strategy and more troops in Iraq when it wasn’t a popular thing to do,” McCain said. “And when the pundits said my campaign was finished, I said I’d rather lose an election than see my country lose a war.”
In an implicit embrace of the “maverick” label, McCain stated, “I don’t work for a party, I don’t work for a special interest, I work for you.”
“Let me offer an advance warning to the old … Washington crowd: change is coming,” he said as delegates cheered. McCain said the United States needs to change the way it competes in the world economy, the way it handles security, the way it responds to disasters and the way it educates its children.
McCAIN EMPHASIZES BIPARTISANSHIP, EXPERIENCE
McCain described himself as a bipartisan leader who can “fix problems that need to be fixed,” and who, if elected, will ask Democrats and Independents to serve with him. “That’s how I will govern as president. I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again.”
Emphasizing his experience, McCain said, “I have that record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not.”
McCain said he would work for Americans by expanding trade, cutting government spending and improving the quality of schools. McCain said his opponent Barack Obama would close markets and increase government spending.
Saying he believes in “rewarding hard work and risk takers and letting people keep the fruits of their labor,” McCain said that unlike his opponent, he would cut taxes to create jobs.
DELEGATES RESPOND
Delegates similarly described McCain as a person who puts his country first and has a record of service that will promote change.
“The way our economy is going, a Republican vote is a stop on taxes,” said Benito Segovia, a Texas alternate delegate. Segovia described Obama as inexperienced, making his promise for change “an empty shell.”
McCain has “given his life to defend our country, he understands what needs to be done to protect national interest,” Steve Wright, a Maryland alternate delegate, said. Wright said McCain’s message is “for all Americans,” especially those who are concerned about national defense and lowering taxes.
Delegates also formally nominated Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be the Republican vice presidential nominee September 4. In his nomination speech, Utah Governor Jon Huntsman said, “My friend Sarah has shown her strength and tenacity to stand up for what she believes in ... and to stand up for America.”
“And tonight — we stand in support of her,” Huntsman said.
Delegates quickly approved her nomination by voice vote. In a schedule that some found puzzling, Palin gave her acceptance speech the day before her formal nomination. (See “Republican Party Leaders Call Sarah Palin a Reformer.”)
For more information about McCain’s acceptance speech, see “John McCain Pledges To Be Guided by the Public Interest.”
